This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Valdosta chapter.
Sexual Assault is more common than you think. According to RAINN, 1 in 6 women in the U.S. have reported assault or attempted assault. Believe these women. Trans and non-binary individuals, as well as WOC, are at increased risk of being assaulted. If someone confides in you, listen to them and believe them. Don’t pry, and don’t blame them. They are not victims, they are survivors.
R*** culture and jokes about harassment and Assault are common in the media. This kind of dialogue makes it difficult for survivors to come forward. Do everything in your power to stop your friends when talking about inappropriate jokes or anything bordering on harassment. No matter the gender or sexual orientation this is the biggest move we can make to change the culture around sexual assault.
Protest! Make signs, smash the patriarchy, and do whatever you can to show that you will not stand for things to continue on the way they have. People don’t start listening until they are personally affected, so make your pain visible. Make the pain of others visible, and give them the microphone when it is time to speak. Protesting and organized demostartions are a good way of showing support for an issue and bringing awareness to it.
HcValdosta uses life 360 to keep track of our members. These kinds of apps use location monitoring to monitor your location and speed and share it with your designated circle. It detects crashes and has an SOS button that will alert your circle members along with your location. This is a handy feature in case you feel unsafe and can get you help within your support system, and you can be the person who helps save someone in your friend group by alerting the police or just accompanying a friend in need.
No one wants people to sexually Assault, but it happens so we do our part with preparedness: (unfortunately, we have to go this far but we do)
Carry mace or consider carrying a weapon
tell someone where you’re going and about how long you’ll be gone
Try not to walk alone at night
Look in your backseat window before you get in the car
Try your absolute hardest not to get into stranger’s cars.
Consider taking self-defense or a martial arts class.
I know these suggestions sound very paranoid, and I know you can do all of this and still be assaulted, but it’s all I got. Stand by, stand with the #metoo movement, and support all women, all non-binary individuals, and all men.
